What to Eat for Pretty Nails

From our newly revised best-selling book, Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal: These foods beat dry, brittle nails and restore strength and shine to make them pretty again.

Have dull nails?

A folate deficiency might be to blame. As you age, your body doesn’t absorb this essential B vitamin as well. Try folate-rich stars like lentils, beans, and spinach. Other foods that heal: legumes, dark-green leafy vegetables, and peas.

Brittle or flaking nails?

If your nails are brittle or flaking, include more essential fatty acids in your diet to help keep your nail beds moisturized. Add two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed to your cereal or smoothies.

Soft nails?

To make keratin—a tough protein that’s a major component in hard, strong nails—the body needs high-quality protein like cornish hens, pork loin, and lower-sodium deli-sliced roast turkey. Other foods that heal: Fish (especially salmon and mackerel), lean meat, and poultry. Shoot for about six ounces a day to prevent weak nails.